Israel has officially agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas, set to commence at noon following the approval of a hostage exchange framework early Friday, according to the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This development marks a pivotal move towards resolving the two-year military conflict in Gaza, which has inflicted severe devastation across the region and resulted in a significant death toll and displacement of civilians.

The ceasefire and exchange agreement call for the release of 48 hostages from Gaza, approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive, in return for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange is scheduled to begin on Monday with the release of the living hostages, followed by the bodies of the deceased. Additionally, the deal stipulates the reopening of five border crossings, including the crucial Rafah crossing to Egypt, facilitating the influx of much-needed humanitarian aid into parts of Gaza currently experiencing famine.

Critics of the agreement, such as Palestinian analyst Mouin Rabbani, argue that while the deal may save lives, it falls short of addressing the broader issues at the heart of the region's unrest. Rabbani has expressed concerns over the governance proposals under the Trump plan, which involves a transitional committee and a "Board of Peace" led by former U.S. President Donald Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. He humorously referred to this governance proposal as the "Blair Witch Project," indicating skepticism regarding its feasibility and acceptance by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

Adding to the controversy is the exclusion of Marwan Barghouti from the initial prisoner exchange list. Barghouti is a prominent Palestinian figure, highly regarded within the Palestinian community, yet viewed by Israel as a terrorist leader. This exclusion could potentially complicate future negotiations and the overall peace process.

In his statement, Netanyahu emphasized that the ultimate goals are the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza. He starkly noted that these objectives would be achieved "the easy way or the hard way." This firm stance underscores the persistent challenges that lie ahead in achieving lasting peace in the region.

Despite the ceasefire, the toll of the conflict remains heavy, with more than 67,000 Palestinians reported killed since the October 7th attacks, according to Gaza's health ministry. As the ceasefire takes effect, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a reduction in violence and a move towards enduring peace.